Owner charged after pit bull attacks man in Monterey Park

Charges have been laid against a pit bull owner after a man was seriously injured in a dog attack at a Monterey Park home Thursday.

Animal and Bylaw officers were called to a northeast home around 7:30 p.m. after a 61-year-old was bitten by a pit bull.

The man was taken to hospital and the pit bull will remain in Animal and Bylaw Services quarantine for 11 days.

The dog’s owner is charged with one count of an unlicensed animal and one count of a dog attacking a person.

“Whenever someone visits your home, whether for personal or work reasons, pet owners need to ensure their pets are under control at all times,” said Doug Anderson, of Animal and Bylaw Services in a news release Friday. “All dog owners are responsible for not only the safety of their dog, but the safety of those who come into contact with their dog.”

The dog’s owner will face a mandatory court appearance which could include fines of up to $10,000.

City officials say that in all serious dog bite incidents, owners can turn the dog over to the care of bylaw services or have a Provincial Court Judge decide the dog’s fate.